Artists rendering of a proposed Ho-Chunk Casino near Racine. Image courtesy: HBG
RACINE, WI (WSAU) — Governor Tony Evers has announced his support for a proposed Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino near Racine.
“As we work to bounce back from this pandemic, we must do everything we can to support economic development in communities across our state,” said Gov. Evers in a press release. “The Ho-Chunk Nation and local officials in Beloit and Rock County have been working together toward providing jobs and long-term economic support in the region, and this is an important step forward in making the Beloit casino a reality.”
The Governor’s support is a major step in the project, which still needs final approval from the Department of the Interior. They must issue a final determination on whether to take the land into trust, and the Governor and the Ho-Chunk Nation must complete an amendment to the Nation’s gaming compact to address the new Beloit casino and related issues.
The Secretary of the Interior has already given support for the project.
“Not only will the Ho-Chunk Nation bring economic development, job growth, and entertainment to our community, but the Nation will also provide cultural and historical education to our residents,” said Beloit City Manager Lori Curtis Luther. “We look forward to welcoming the Ho-Chunk Nation back to their home.”
The proposed facility would include one of the largest casinos in the state, a 300-room hotel with more than 45,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, and an approximately 40,000 square foot indoor waterpark. The Nation also plans to develop additional entertainment or retail businesses on an adjacent property. The complex would be located just north of the Illinois border and immediately west of I-39/90.
Current estimates show the facility would create 1,500 long-term jobs and 2,000 construction jobs.
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